There isn’t much in the town itself. You’ll find one restaurant at the harbor, another on the opposite side of town, and a third for rich people—but the food there is excellent. There’s a church, a playground, an outdoor swimming pool with a sauna (only warm if you stand up), and a basketball and a football field.
Had I lived in the town rather than relying on a car, I think I would have spent most of my time at the basketball court because I am a sports lover. The simplicity of Grundarfjörður might not offer much entertainment (definitely not parties or places for dates), but its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make up for it in ways few places can.
My favorite place, however, was right at the entrance to the town—or perhaps even before it—where you’ll find a true hidden gem among Iceland’s waterfalls: Grundarfoss.
A short 10-minute walk from the parking lot (which, surprisingly, is free—one of the rare exceptions in Iceland) leads you to a breathtaking 70-meter waterfall. You can feel the mist of its crashing water long before you even reach it.
The town also offers other waterfalls, though they are a bit harder to reach—but still absolutely worth the effort. One of them is Kvernárfoss, along with two others that don’t even have official names. These hidden gems add to the charm of the rugged Icelandic landscape.
As you explore, you’ll often come across seagulls soaring above and smaller creatures like bumblebees, which might seem unexpected in such a raw and dramatic environment.
Of course, the most iconic landmark in the area is Kirkjufellfoss, offering the world-famous view that dominates Iceland’s tourism marketing. You’ll see this image everywhere—from postcards to travel brochures—and I’ll share my version below.
I made a point of viewing Kirkjufell from every possible angle, and I have to admit—unfortunately or not—it truly looks best from the waterfall’s perspective. This is also the only spot where you’ll find crowds, and not just a few people, but a lot.
On the one hand, it’s great that other beautiful places nearby remain untouched and peaceful. On the other, I can’t help but feel a little sad that many visitors simply jump out of their car, snap a quick photo, and drive off. I call this "minute travel"—rushing from sight to sight without truly experiencing the place.
For such a small town, there’s a lot to see and do, so my previous bit of complaining might not be entirely fair—but I think you get what I mean. 🙂
Grundarfjörður and its surroundings offer incredible landscapes, hidden waterfalls, and peaceful spots, making it a great place to explore beyond just the typical tourist stops.
Helping with translations: Deepl
Helping with translations: ChatGPT
Helping with grammar: Grammarly